Criminal Justice Student Research Panel
Media and Police Perception
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Criminal Justice
Minor
Wildlife Management
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
2nd Student Major
Criminal Justice
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Katy Hancock
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this research is to determine whether and how media (specifically news and social) impact the public's opinion of physical appearance/attributes in American law enforcement. Specifically, media representations may influence people’s beliefs about the physical standards to which police are held, and subsequently perceptions of officers’ capabilities in the field. It is important to note how personal opinion of police officers could potentially affect the perception of performance of law enforcement officers, as well as have an effect on officer-community relations. Public scrutiny, as well as public support, could potentially affect the level at which law enforcement perform their duties and to what extent. In addition, public scrutiny in regards to physical appearance could create a stigma in law enforcement officers- potentially having an effect on the way officers perceive their physical well-being and the physical standards to which they hold themselves.
Spring Scholars Week 2024 Event
Criminal Justice Student Research Panel
Media and Police Perception
The purpose of this research is to determine whether and how media (specifically news and social) impact the public's opinion of physical appearance/attributes in American law enforcement. Specifically, media representations may influence people’s beliefs about the physical standards to which police are held, and subsequently perceptions of officers’ capabilities in the field. It is important to note how personal opinion of police officers could potentially affect the perception of performance of law enforcement officers, as well as have an effect on officer-community relations. Public scrutiny, as well as public support, could potentially affect the level at which law enforcement perform their duties and to what extent. In addition, public scrutiny in regards to physical appearance could create a stigma in law enforcement officers- potentially having an effect on the way officers perceive their physical well-being and the physical standards to which they hold themselves.